Our daughter Hailey was diagnosed with Leukodystrophy in 2011, a terminal brain disease. There is no cure or treatment. In January of 2015 she had a Pacemaker placed. There are medical bills, prescriptions not covered by insurance, Dr. Appointments out of state, and surprise expenses that would take a toll on any family. One way to share our story is to share jewelry we created together. There are many places we want to take her.
Each necklace signifies a Hug for Hailey.

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Getting ready for the Rock the Socks Event

Our experience with the Ronald McDonald House goes back a long way...When Hailey was diagnosed with Leukodystrophy in July of 2012 she was only 4 years old, and the only place we could go for her medical needs was Salt Lake City, Utah. We currently live in Las Vegas, Nevada. The constant back and forth is financial draining. We were so far away from home and we didn’t know how long our stay would be. We had no family near by and wouldn’t be able to afford a hotel for an extended period of time. Our social worker connected us with The Ronald McDonald House in Salt Lake and that would become our home away from home for many many visits to come. We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House again that same year in October when Hailey had her feeding tube placed in her stomach. Salt Lake was where all her doctors appointments would take place from then on. In January of 2015 Hailey had surgery to have a pacemaker placed and again we stayed at the Ronald McDonald House. Just knowing that we could be close to Hailey but had somewhere to sleep, shower, and a warm meal at the end of the day was such a burden lifted. I couldn’t even count the number of nights we’ve stayed at the Ronald McDonald House or the number of meals that were made for us and the other families that had children in the hospital like us. We currently have to go to Utah for Hailey’s appointments about every 3 months and we stay at the Ronald McDonald House. We know that we are safe there, we can be together as a family, and we can focus on Hailey’s needs.

Even though we don’t stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Las Vegas we wanted to give back however way we could. Hailey collects pop tops and asks her family and school to do so too. We’ve donated to the food pantry, and we’ve decorated lunch sacks. We decided last year that we would cook a meal for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Las Vegas for Hailey’s birthday. To not have to worry about where you’re going to sleep, shower, or eat is such a burden that is lifted by the generosity of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Giving back when we can, even if it’s by sharing our story, is the least we can do.

We will be helping to raise money for our local RMHC soon! As soon as I have the link to post for donations I will do that!